🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Code:

E21

Production Years Covered By Manual:

1975-1983

👋 Introduction

Segment Positioning:

The BMW E21 3 Series established BMW's reputation in the compact executive sports sedan market, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sporty handling.

Key Competitors:

Competed with cars like the Mercedes-Benz W201 (190E), Audi 80/Fox, Ford Capri, and certain American compacts of the era, but distinguished itself with its driving dynamics.

Unique Selling Points:

The E21 was renowned for its refined inline-four and inline-six engines, independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, semi-trailing arm rear suspension, and classic BMW styling.

Cost Savings:

Enables owners to perform DIY repairs and maintenance, significantly reducing labor costs associated with dealerships and independent specialists.

Ease Of Use:

Designed with step-by-step instructions and illustrative diagrams to make complex procedures accessible to enthusiasts of varying skill levels.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service Repair

Procedure Scope:

Every service and repair procedure A-Z

Model Variant Coverage:

All Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific sub-model and engine, typically 500+ pages for a complete factory-style manual

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF

Digital Readability:

Viewable on PC, MAC, tablets, smartphones

Printing Capability:

Printable (single page, chapter, or entire manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing systems

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic), carburetors (Solex, Zenith), fuel pump, lines, filters

Engine Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing settings

Engine Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan

Engine Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (later models)

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear shift linkage, bearings, seals

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, fluid, torque converter, control systems (if applicable to models covered)

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential, driveshafts, universal joints, rear axle assembly

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, anti-roll bar, steering knuckle

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings

Braking System:

Front discs, rear drums (or discs depending on model variant), brake calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake

Steering System:

Steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, steering wheel

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery, wiring

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulbs

Electrical System Instruments Gauges:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, carpets, trim, headliner

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, locks

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, (air conditioning if optioned)

Preventive Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair

Overhaul Rebuild:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid types and capacities

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

Required Software:

Adobe Reader (free download)

Image Resolution:

High quality, clear diagrams and photographs

Digital Binding:

N/A (digital download, printable) - Original manuals would be spiral-bound or case-bound

Digital Paper:

N/A (digital download, printable) - Original manuals would be printed on durable paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

M10 (4-cylinder), M20 (6-cylinder)

Common Engines:

315 (1.6L), 316 (1.8L), 318 (1.8L, 2.0L), 320 (2.0L, 2.3L), 323i (2.3L inline-6)

Power Output Range:

Approx. 75 hp (315) to 143 hp (323i)

Torque Output Range:

Approx. 110 Nm to 185 Nm

Injection System:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (most 4-cyl and all 6-cyl), Carburetor (early 4-cyl models)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual gearbox standard on base models, 5-speed manual optional/standard on higher trims

Transmission Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (ZF 3HP18/3HP22) available as an option

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

2-door sedan, 4-door sedan

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2570 mm (101.2 inches)

Length:

Approx. 4360 mm (171.7 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1610 mm (63.4 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 inches)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1150 kg - 1300 kg (2535 lbs - 2866 lbs) depending on engine and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed to meet safety standards of its time; lacked modern active/passive safety features like airbags and ABS as standard.

Braking System Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assistance typically standard.

Occupant Protection:

Reinforced passenger cell, safety-design steering column, padded dashboard, 3-point seatbelts (front), 2-point seatbelts (rear, typically)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic factory radio (often cassette player later in production), optional speakers.

Assistance Systems:

None standard (no ABS, traction control, airbags).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on operating environment.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km), depending on plug type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SF/SG or newer, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific climate/engine recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.25 liters (4.5 US quarts) for 4-cylinder, 5.0 liters (5.3 US quarts) for 6-cylinder, excluding filter.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (BMW Blue coolant or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF (check specific ZF transmission type).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Common Wear Items:

Bushings (suspension, sway bar), fuel pumps, fuel accumulators (L-Jetronic), fuel injectors, starter motors, window regulators, rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, and strut towers).

Engine Specific Concerns:

Timing chain wear (M10), potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets, fuel system reliability on older cars.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Era:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) founded in 1916, evolved from aircraft engine manufacturing to automotive.

Predecessor:

BMW 02 Series (e.g., 1502, 1602, 1802, 2002)

Successor:

BMW E30 3 Series

Design Philosophy:

The E21 represented a step towards a more modern, refined, and upscale compact sedan compared to the simpler 02 Series, introducing features like a driver-oriented dashboard and more integrated styling.

Production Period:

1975-1983

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Munich, Germany; assembly also occurred in other BMW plants worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

Generally praised by automotive journalists of the era for its handling, build quality, and performance, solidifying BMW's reputation as a driver's car.